Student Spotlight: Kimberly Wilson

Kimberly Wilson wasn’t sure what she wanted to study in college, but she knew that
she loved writing and storytelling and hoped to incorporate those two passions into
her studies.

“I’ve always loved to read and immerse myself in different stories,” she said. “One
of my favorite things about writing is that it allows me to clearly express my feelings
and opinions, as well as tell stories.”

Wilson came to College of DuPage to take general education classes and save money
before transitioning to a four-year university. Wilson wasn’t sure what to expect,
but she decided to make the most out of her experience and get involved with various
student clubs on campus. She joined the school newspaper, The Courier, which sparked
an immediate interest in journalism.

“Educational and career-wise, being on the school newspaper has been a great experience
in terms of learning about the technical aspects of journalism and the journalistic
writing style,” she said. “COD also offers a wide range of classes and programs, so
I've been having fun taking a variety of classes and learning about different things.”

Wilson quickly met the cumulative GPA requirements for the COD Honors Program. She
was then selected to be a student editor for the National Collegiate Honors Council's
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) web journal. Wilson joined a
national team to review and edit submissions for the 2018-2019 publication.

“I’ve really been able to learn a lot about the editing process and sharpen my editing
skills through the position on UReCA, which is great because editing is something
I've been thinking about dabbling in professionally once I graduate college.”

Wilson credits COD for helping her grow her leadership skills, a personal goal.

“I was recently a new student orientation leader, which means I’m on my way to completing
phase one of the College’s Living Leadership Program,” she said. “This has been hugely
beneficial for me because I’ve learned a lot about how to be an effective leader.
Through my experiences at the College, I’ve learned that leadership comes from utilizing
your individual strengths.”

After graduating from COD with an Associate in Arts degree, Wilson plans to transfer
to a university to pursue either a degree in Journalism or civil rights law.

Her advice to other potential COD students is to get involved.

“COD is a really great institution to begin your college career if you do the work
in your classes and make use of all the resources offered,” she said. “I also really
encourage students to get involved on campus. Being on the school newspaper, as well
as serving as a new student orientation leader, have been transformative experiences
and helped to make my time at COD special so far. I also recommend getting to know
your professors because they give great advice and want to see you succeed.”

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.